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Homeschool Requirements by State & Country
South Africa homeschool laws at a glance.
Always verify with current law. This information is summarized from
HSLDA,
HSLDA Canada,
and government education ministries as of 2026. Homeschool laws change — confirm requirements with your local education authority before making decisions.
Parents must apply to the provincial Head of Department for registration of the learner for home education. Grade R (ages 5–6) is now compulsory under the BELA Act.
Annual Assessment
Curriculum must meet minimum standards equivalent to the national CAPS. End-of-phase assessments (Grades 3, 6, and 9) must be conducted by a suitably qualified assessor.
Minimum Instruction
Not specified
Teacher Qualifications
No formal teaching qualification required for the parent, but the assessor at end-of-phase must be qualified
The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act 32 of 2024 came into operation on 24 December 2024, rewriting s. 51 to introduce compulsory, conditional registration. National guidelines clarifying s. 51 were published on 12 June 2025.
Required Subjects
South Africa does not mandate specific subjects for homeschooling.
Law Reference
South African Schools Act 84 of 1996, s. 51 (as amended by BELA Act 32 of 2024)